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Book Tour: The Woman Behind the Smile by Debby Montgomery Johnson

How I Lost a Million Dollars on a Dating Service could be the title of this book but The Woman Behind the Smile is so much more than a “Catfish” story – a term used to refer to someone who creates a false online persona to reel someone into a romantic relationship. Many people are looking to online dating as a way to get back into real life after the death of a spouse, divorce or a failed relationship. We paint ourselves as the “perfect partner” with a profile that reflects our life’s story, or does it? In The Woman Behind the Smile, Debby shows how during much of her life she hid behind the mask of being the perfect wife, mother, Air Force Officer, banker, legal assistant and friend – until life was completely changed by “The Call.” The subsequent rebuilding of her life would include a journey only seen on Lifetime Movie Channel! Like Debby, we all have some hidden stories and like her, it’s now time for us to STAND UP in our power.

Debby Montgomery Johnson is a woman on a mission. In her book, “The Woman Behind the Smile” she shares her personal experience with a love that turned into betrayal and financial disaster and she removes the mask of shame and shows others how do to the same. Many of us have something, something we’re hiding, something we’re ashamed of, something that through no fault of our own or through our own making, something that we keep hidden and that, in turn, keeps us hidden, from each other and the world.

From Vermont and a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Debby is the President of Benfotiamine.Net, Inc, a vitamin supplement company that provides an alternative for the pain of neuropathy, a nerve disorder. (Benfotiamine.Net). Benfotiamine makes an extraordinary difference especially for diabetics and their families.

Her background is diverse, from working as a paralegal and bank branch manager to being a U.S. Air Force officer, serving as an Intelligence Officer at the Pentagon, the Defense Intelligence Agency and in Wiesbaden, Germany. Debby is just like you. A woman on a mission to live an authentic, joyful life as the Woman WITH the Smile rather than behind it.

What writers inspired you to become an author? The woman at WPN encouraged me to tell my personal story – it was one I had buried for many years out of shame or feeling that people would judge me for being a victim, stupid, etc. The support of men and women who heard my story gave me the kick in the pants to get in it print so that I could help others who might have been or are today facing similar difficulties.

Any special appearances or events coming up that you want to mention? I am one of the guest speakers on the 2016 LeadHerShip cruise, hosted by Sharon Frame, a former CNN anchor and coach, on November 12th.

If you could travel to any time in history, when would you visit? Initially I thought I’d go back to 2012 and “redo” my online dating adventures – perhaps I would have not engaged in the romance, but if I did that my life would be entirely different than it is today. I learned so much from the love felt, therapy of writing in my journal for hours each day (4100 pages of journal through the two year romance) and today I’m a staunch supporter for women finding their voice in order to STAND UP in our Power over life events which we hide in order to appear “perfect” to the world. So, if I could travel in time, I think I would stay right here as I’m happily remarried, have wonderful children and grandchildren and extended family – including parents who are healthy and happy in their 80s! I want to make a difference in the world TODAY and if I could help just one woman, then that’s what I want to do!

If you could have dinner with any of your characters, which ones would you choose? What food would you serve? I actually would like to meet Eric and his family. We would probably eat pizza – one that he makes!

If you could travel anywhere, on earth or off, where would you go? I would like to go to Bora Bora.

What color would you wear if you had only one choice? Fushia Pink!

Describe your dream writing spot. I love looking out over the ocean with the palm trees swaying around me. I usually love the sun shining but sometimes find it calming to write when the rain is coming down.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page